12 All-Road Cyclocross Bikes That Charge Hard on Any Terrain

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Cyclocross racing is the newest fad in the cycling world these days. And while not everyone wants to race through a dirt course, we can all appreciate cyclocross bikes for what they are — a generous blend of road and mountain bikes that can carry high speeds while remaining stable on varied terrain, including pavement, grass, and gravel trails alike. So whether you're going away for a weekend and can't decide which rig to bring along or you just want a road bike that won't quiver at the sight of an unpaved trail, choose one of these top-rated cyclocross bikes to be your do-it-all machine.

If a mountain bike is too burly and a road bike is too fragile for the terrain you like to ride, Raleigh's Stuntman is the perfect middle ground. SRAM's top-notch disc brakes and drivetrain make easy work out of difficult terrain. You'll transition effortlessly from paved roads to gravel trails without speed-checking or losing traction.

Diamondback's Haanjo is a pure bargain in an overcrowded, overpriced market. A lightweight aluminum frame positions you more upright than a traditional road bike, which is something your body will thank you for (trust us!). The carbon fork has a solid 12-millimeter thru axle that holds stable even on the loosest of gravel, and it's wide enough to house 40-millimeter tires. So while it may be the cheapest in the Haanjo line, this bike is ready to rage on every surface, from pavement to loose dirt and everything in between.

Tommaso labels this as an adventure bike because it's built with the geometry of a road bike but the componentry of a mountain bike. The Corsa wheelset was designed to perform on both asphalt and gravel, and a Shimano Claris cassette and crankset make the ride as smooth as a baby's bottom, no matter how rough the terrain. The Sterrata is truly ready for whatever adventure your day has in store.

Retrospec's cyclocross bike walks the walk without the talk. It may not be built for cyclocross racing, but it's a solid daily driver that can handle your commuting route with ease. The Chromoly frame is lightweight and strong, a 16-speed drivetrain lets you pick the ideal gear for any incline, and the drop bars let you assume an aggressive position for more speed.

Fuji is most known for its dependable race-inspired road bikes, so of course it makes a killer crossover that works perfectly as an all-in-one commuter. You'll love the carbon fork for its ability to dampen the ride on bumpy trails. We love how the 20-speed Shimano drivetrain shifts smooth as butter, taking you from high to low gear seamlessly with just the flick of your thumb. This Jari is comfortable zipping around the city, and it won't shy away from the unpaved trails, either.

This Mongoose is most suited for off-road riding, thanks to a powerful alloy fork and large tires that seek out rough, rocky trails. However, it's also proficient at making quick trips to the supermarket or across town to the park thanks to lightweight components that'll have you feeling free as you switch lanes and zip through traffic. Why buy two bikes when this one does it all?

Categorized by GT as "enduroad," this bike combines a responsive, race-inspired frame with an enduro shape that's comfortable for long-distance rides. With parts such as a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, Mavic all-road wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes, the time-trial record board is saving a spot for your name.

As if last year's SuperX Force 1 wasn't ridiculous enough, the SE model of 2018 comes with tons of upgrades. It's a true race bike that feels light and fast and handles with confidence, yet it has plenty of gravel-geared specs, including bigger tires and rims, and a wider gear range for increased versatility. So whether you need a one-bike quiver that bridges the gap between road and mountain bike or you want a race-ready cyclocross rig for the next competition, this two-wheeler is a no-brainer.

We can't think of a more appropriate name for the Apex, as this bike positioned itself at the top of the gravel bicycle category. The single front drivetrain is both economical and simple — by eliminating the front derailleur, there's less maintenance and less chance of midride mechanical issues. But don't let the simplicity fool you — this beast can climb all but the steepest trails. It also has a lower center of gravity and wider wheelbase than most, giving you more stability on rough terrain and more comfort for longer distances.

Don't let the sleek and stylish look fool you — the Vault is a dirt demon in disguise. This year's model is upgraded with tubeless wheels that can self-repair while you're riding, so you won't get sidelined by a flat tire midride. It also features a wider fork that can accommodate tires up to 48 millimeters wide! Heck, with wheels and tires that wide, you might as well be racing a fat bike!

You don't have to risk bankruptcy to own a sweet gravel bike — just hop on this Specialized one. It's built with a rugged steel frame, has a Shimano drivetrain with a wide range of gears, and sports burly 42-millimeter tires that crush rocky paths like a bulldozer.

Somehow Trek managed to keep this serious cyclocross ride at a price that won't scare you away. The Crockett has an aluminum alloy frame for maximum strength, disc brakes for ultimate stopping power, and the company's IsoSpeed Fork that gives you extra smooth control, especially when the course gets tough.

Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com for over two years; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.